What Gas Prices Have Caused Americans To Cut Back On: Harris Interactive

High gas prices might have fallen slightly in recent weeks, but that hasn't stopped Americans from cutting back on other expenses in order to afford pumping fuel into the tank.

According to a recent poll by Harris Interactive, higher gas prices have caused the majority of Americans to cut back on a range of products and services. The poll, which surveyed 2,184 adults online in mid-May, finds that 51 percent of Americans have limited spending on other items in order to pay for gas. And an even higher percentage (65 percent) of families earning an annual income of $35,000 or less have had to cut back.

Gas prices comprise a large percentage of the average Americans budget. Indeed, last month one-tenth of every dollar made by the average American household went to paying the gas bill. Before that, in April, the nationwide average monthly gas bill was $369, 45 percent more than one year prior.

Compared to results from a similar Harris Interactive poll conducted in 2006, the percentage of households making sacrifices in order to drive their cars has increased by 6 percent.

So that they can put fuel in the tank, most Americans have had to sacrifice fuel for their bodies, as groceries and dining out are the things most likely to get cut. However, less necessary items -- luxury items, shopping and movies -- are all among the least likely to be sacrificed.